Spike for track shoes

ABSTRACT

An improved spike for use in track shoes is disclosed. The spike is composed of three parts:
       1.  Lower section     2.  Upper section     3.  Locking mechanism   

     The lower section is of a regular triangular pyramidal shape with a triangular prism shaped base extending outward from the lower circular face of the upper section. The upper section is of a cylindrical shape with an exteriorly threaded circumferential face for the attachment to and removal from the threaded aperture of a standard track shoe. The locking mechanism consists of a cylindrical hardened rubber disk adhered via bonding agent to the upper circular face of the upper section. With exception of the locking mechanism, the spike is one solid component comprised of a single material.

FIELD

The present invention relates to a design for an improved spike for track shoes with a specialized shape that caters to the dynamics of its use. More specifically, when installed into the aperture of a track shoe, the exposed shape of the spike has a leading edge that faces forward relative to the track shoe and a flat surface that faces aft relative to the track shoe.

The present invention also relates to a design for an improved spike for track shoes that prevents inadvertent rotational motion (loosening) of the spike due to the impact of use once it has been installed into the threaded aperture of a standard track shoe.

BACKGROUND

The use of spikes of various past designs and configurations for use with track shoes is known as the prior art. The prior art discloses a large number of spikes of various designs and configurations, the most widely used of these being compatible with the interiorly threaded circular aperture of a standard track shoe. Most of these types of spikes, when installed into the aperture of a track shoe, have an exposed shape that is pointed and circular or near-circular in cross section. Such a design limits performance by not providing for an exposed shape that is dynamically streamlined for a more efficient contact with the running surface. There also exist other designs of the prior art that, when installed into the aperture of a track shoe, have an exposed pointed shape that is symmetrical and non-circular in cross section. One such specific example of this is Dassler's gripper element, U.S. Pat. No. 3,859,739. Such designs of the prior art also limit performance by not warranting a dynamically streamlined exposed shape relative to the running surface.

In this respect, the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art by providing an improved design catered toward the specific dynamics of running. More specifically, the design of the present invention, when installed into the aperture of a track shoe, has an exposed shape with a leading edge that faces forward relative to the track shoe and a flat surface that faces aft relative to the track shoe, thus providing for minimized resistive characteristics and optimized thrust characteristics, while maintaining compatibility for use within the threaded aperture of a standard track shoe.

Furthermore, the most widely used elements of the prior art have been devised and utilized primarily with an exteriorly threaded cylindrical section with the purpose of rotational installation into the threaded aperture of a standard track shoe. This type of configuration is subject to inadvertent rotational motion (loosening) of the prior art within the aperture of the track shoe due to the impact of running and associated vibrational effects. In this respect, the present invention departs from the prior art by utilizing a locking mechanism as a means to reduce this effect via simple compressive/expansive mechanics.

Therefore, it can be appreciated that there exists a continuing need for an improved spike for track shoes which can be used for providing enhanced performance through the aforementioned characteristics. In this regard, the present invention fulfills this need.

SUMMARY

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of spikes for track shoes of various designs and configurations now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a an improved spike for use in track shoes. As such, the general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide minimized resistive characteristics and optimized thrust characteristics to its user and also reduce the inadvertent rotational motion (loosening) of the present invention within the threaded aperture of a standard track due to the impact of running and associated vibrational effects.

To attain this, the present invention is composed of three parts:

-   1. Lower section -   2. Upper section -   3. Locking mechanism

The lower section is of a regular triangular pyramidal shape with a triangular prism shaped base extending outward from the lower circular face of the upper section. The upper section is of a cylindrical shape with an exteriorly threaded circumferential face for the attachment to and removal from the threaded aperture of a standard track shoe. The locking mechanism consists of a cylindrical hardened rubber disk adhered via a bonding agent to the upper circular face of the upper section. With exception of the locking mechanism, the present invention is one solid component comprised of a single material.

The present invention is designed for rotational installation into the threaded aperture of a standard track shoe. Once installed into the track shoe, the present invention is designed for rotational orientation so that one of the three pyramidal edges of the lower section faces forward relative to the track shoe. Correspondingly, the flat surface of the pyramidal lower section opposite to this edge faces aft relative to the track shoe. This selection of specific rotational orientation of the present invention is achieved in the following manner: As the user rotationally inserts the present invention into the threaded aperture of the track shoe using a fastening apparatus that mates to the triangular prism shaped base of the upper section, the rubber locking mechanism ultimately contacts the innermost surface of the aperture of the track shoe. Further rotational insertion beyond this point causes a compressive/expansive force to counteract insertion. At this point, the user can further tighten to position the present invention at an orientation with one of the pyramidal edges of the lower section facing forward. The aforementioned compressive/expansive force serves to prevent inadvertent rotational motion of the present invention, thus sustaining the selected orientation of the present invention during use. With the user selecting a rotational orientation of one of the three pyramidal edges facing forward relative to the track shoe (and thus the corresponding opposite flat surface facing aft relative to the track shoe), the present invention suitably provides minimized resistive characteristics and optimized thrust characteristics when compared to the prior art due to the following improved relative geometrical characteristics:

-   1. The exposed shape of the present invention has an overall shape     with less composition normal to the direction of motion on the     surface area that faces forward relative to the track shoe. This     provides for less impact during initial contact with the running     surface during the running motion and also minimizes frictional drag     through the running surface during departure from the running     surface. -   2. Correspondingly, the exposed shape of the present invention has     an overall shape with more composition normal to the direction of     motion on the surface area that faces aft relative to the track     shoe. This provides for optimized thrust generation when in contact     with the running surface.

It should be noted here that Dassler's gripper element, U.S. Pat. No. 3,859,739, has elements similar to the design of the present invention. The design of the present invention, however, significantly departs from that of Dassler's, as the design of present invention utilizes a locking mechanism as its limiting surface in the range of motion for installation, and not the typical ring-like plate which terminates the exteriorly threaded portion of the prior art. This departure in design provides the present invention its most significant advantage over the Dassler invention and other similar prior art, which is the allowance for permanent selective orientation of the exposed shape within the threaded aperture of a standard track shoe. During the rotational installation of the Dassler invention and other similar prior art into the threaded aperture of a standard track shoe, a limiting surface (typically a ring-like plate which terminates the exteriorly threaded portion) ultimately makes contact with a surface of the aperture of the track shoe. At this point, said prior art is fully installed in the aperture, with no margin for further rotational insertion. The exposed shape of the prior art is thus indiscriminately oriented and does not ensure a dynamically advantageous profile relative to the running surface.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features and characteristics of the present invention in order that the detailed description that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated.

In this respect, before explaining the embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. For instance, the lower section of the present invention can be designed with varying height, width, and curvature of a single face or multiple faces of the pyramidal shape. The material composition of the locking mechanism and means of attaching the locking mechanism to the present invention can also be varied. Additionally, the upper section can be altered for installation into varied types of shoe apertures. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of descriptions and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved spike for track shoes that permits the user to install the present invention into the aperture of a track shoe so that a leading edge of the lower section faces forward relative to the track shoe, while, correspondingly, a flat surface of the lower section opposite to this edge faces aft relative to the track shoe.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved spike for track shoes that prevents, through the utilization of simple compression/expansion mechanics by the locking mechanism, the inadvertent rotational motion (loosening) of the apparatus within the threaded aperture of a standard track shoe due to the impact of running and associated vibrational effects.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved spike for track shoes which may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved spike for track shoes designed to be compatible with the existing multitude of track shoes in the present form, and requiring minimal additional effort to facilitate its use in a standard track shoe, thus making such a track spike relevant and practical for use by the public.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved spike for track shoes which is of a durable and reliable construction.

An even further object of the present invention is to provide an improved spike for track shoes which is susceptible of a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such a track spike economically available to the buying public.

Lastly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a spike for track shoes composed of three parts:

-   1. Lower section -   2. Upper section -   3. Locking mechanism

The lower section is of a regular triangular pyramidal shape with a triangular prism shaped base extending outward from the lower circular face of the upper section. The upper section is of a cylindrical shape with an exteriorly threaded circumferential face for the attachment to and removal from the threaded aperture of a standard track shoe. The locking mechanism consists of a cylindrical hardened rubber disk adhered via a bonding agent to the upper circular face of the upper section. With exception of the locking mechanism, the present invention is one solid component comprised of a single material.

The present invention is designed for rotational installation into the threaded aperture of a standard track shoe. Once installed into the track shoe, the present invention is designed for rotational orientation so that one of the three pyramidal edges of the lower section faces forward relative to the track shoe. Correspondingly, the flat surface of the pyramidal lower section opposite to this edge faces aft relative to the track shoe. This selection of specific rotational orientation of the present invention is achieved in the following manner: As the user rotationally inserts the present invention into the threaded aperture of the track shoe using a fastening apparatus that mates to the triangular prism shaped base of the upper section, the rubber locking mechanism ultimately contacts the innermost surface of the aperture of the track shoe. Further rotational insertion beyond this point causes a compressive/expansive force to counteract insertion. At this point, the user can further tighten to position the present invention at an orientation with one of the pyramidal edges of the lower section facing forward. The aforementioned compressive/expansive force serves to prevent inadvertent rotational motion of the present invention, thus sustaining the selected orientation of the present invention during use. With the user selecting a rotational orientation of one of the three pyramidal edges facing forward relative to the track shoe (and thus the corresponding opposite flat surface facing aft relative to the track shoe), the present invention suitably provides minimized resistive characteristics and optimized thrust characteristics when compared to the prior art due to the following improved relative geometrical characteristics:

-   1. The exposed shape of the present invention has an overall shape     with less composition normal to the direction of motion on the     surface area that faces forward relative to the track shoe. This     provides for less impact during initial contact with the running     surface during the running motion and also minimizes frictional drag     through the running surface during departure from the running     surface. -   2. Correspondingly, the exposed shape of the present invention has     an overall shape with more composition normal to the direction of     motion on the surface area that faces aft relative to the track     shoe. This provides for optimized thrust generation when in contact     with the running surface.

These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated the preferred embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be better understood and objects will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed descriptions thereof.

FIG. 1 is a bottom elevational view of the improved spike for track shoes constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the improved spike for track shoes shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the improved spike for track shoes shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is a top elevational view of the improved spike for track shoes shown in FIGS. 1 through 3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective illustration of the preferred embodiment of the improved spike for track shoes shown in FIGS. 1 through 4.

FIG. 6 is an alternate perspective illustration of the improved spike for track shoes shown in FIGS. 1 through 5.

FIG. 7 is a bottom elevational view of the improved spike for track shoes as it would appear inserted into the aperture of a standard track shoe.

FIG. 8 is a perspective illustration view of a typical fastening apparatus for use with the improved spike for track shoes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1 through 7 thereof, the preferred embodiment of the improved spike for track shoes embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention will be described.

The present invention is an improved spike for track shoes comprised of a lower section (1), an upper section (2), and a locking mechanism (3), as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

The lower section (1) is of a regular triangular pyramidal shape with a triangular prism shaped base (4) extending outward from the lower circular face of the upper section, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3. The height (5) of the triangular prism shaped base (4) is a small percent, less than 20 percent, of the total height (6) of the lower section (1).

The upper section (2) is of a cylindrical shape with an exteriorly threaded circumferential face for the attachment to and removal from the threaded aperture of a standard track shoe. The locking mechanism (3) consists of a cylindrical hardened rubber disk adhered via a bonding agent to the upper circular face of the upper section (2), as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The height (7) of the locking mechanism (3) is a small percent, less than 30 percent of the total height (8) of the upper section. The diameter (9) of the locking mechanism is less than the total diameter (10) of the upper section (2).

With exception of the locking mechanism (3), the present invention is one solid component comprised of a single material.

The present invention is designed to permit rotational installation into the threaded aperture of a standard track shoe. Once installed into the track shoe, the present invention is designed for rotational orientation so that one of the three pyramidal edges (11), (12), or (13), shown in FIG. 1, of the lower section (1) faces forward relative to the track shoe. Correspondingly, the flat surface (14), (15), or (16) of the pyramidal shape opposite to this edge faces aft relative to the track shoe. This selection of specific rotational orientation of the present invention is achieved in the following manner: As the user rotationally inserts the invention into the threaded aperture of the track shoe using a fastening apparatus that mates to the triangular prism shaped base (4) of the upper section (2), the rubber locking mechanism (3) ultimately contacts the innermost surface of the aperture of the track shoe. Further rotational insertion beyond this point causes a compressive/expansive force to counteract insertion. At this point, the user can further tighten to position the present invention at an orientation with one of the pyramidal edges (11), (12), or (13) of the lower section (1) facing forward, as shown in FIG. 7. The aforementioned compressive/expansive force serves to prevent inadvertent rotational motion of the present invention, thus sustaining the selected orientation of the present invention during use.

With the user selecting a rotational orientation of one of the three pyramidal edges (11), (12), or (13) facing forward relative to the track shoe (and thus the corresponding opposite flat surface (14), (15), or (16) facing aft relative to the track shoe), as shown in FIG. 7, the present invention suitably provides minimized resistive characteristics and optimized thrust characteristics when compared to the prior art due to the following improved relative geometrical characteristics:

-   1. The exposed shape of the present invention has an overall shape     with less composition normal to the direction of motion on the     surface area that faces forward relative to the track shoe. This     provides for less impact during initial contact with the running     surface during the running motion and also minimizes frictional drag     through the running surface during departure from the running     surface. -   2. Correspondingly, the exposed shape of the present invention has     an overall shape with more composition normal to the direction of     motion on the surface area that faces aft relative to the track     shoe. This provides for optimized thrust generation when in contact     with the running surface.

A workable fastening apparatus for use with the present invention is show in FIG. 8.

The manner of usage and operation of the present invention should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention.

Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is as follows:
 1. A spike design that has a specialized shape that caters to the dynamics of its use. More specifically, when installed into the aperture of a track shoe, the exposed shape of the spike has a leading edge that faces forward relative to the shoe and a flat surface that faces aft relative to the shoe.
 2. A spike design that utilizes simple compressive/expansive mechanics via means of a locking mechanism to prevent inadvertent rotational motion (loosening) of the spike due to the impact of use once it has been installed into the threaded aperture of a standard track shoe.
 3. A spike design according to claim 1 and claim 2 where the spike is composed of a lower section, an upper threaded section, and a locking mechanism. The lower section is that of a regular triangular pyramidal shape with a triangular prism shaped base extending outward from the lower circular face of the upper section. The upper section is of a cylindrical shape with an exteriorly threaded circumferential face for the attachment to and removal from the threaded aperture of a standard track shoe. The locking mechanism consists of a cylindrical hardened rubber disk adhered via a bonding agent to the upper circular face of the upper section. 